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Updated: May 14, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
[Glucocorticoids and... infections, doping, surgery, sexuality]
1Service de maladies infectieuses, SELARL Loire Intermed, nouvelles cliniques nantaises, Nantes, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|February 19, 2013
Summary
Glucocorticoid therapy increases infection risk, necessitating tailored prevention strategies for latent infections, vaccine eligibility, and travel. Careful consideration of side effects like adrenal insufficiency is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used but increase infection susceptibility, especially with long-term, high-dose use.
- Current infection prevention practices for GC-treated patients lack standardization and clear guidelines.
- Latent infections (e.g., hepatitis B, tuberculosis) can reactivate, requiring individualized risk assessment.
Purpose:
- To highlight the increased risk of infections in patients on glucocorticoid therapy.
- To discuss the challenges and varying practices in preventing infections in this population.
- To provide recommendations for infection prevention, vaccination, and management of specific risks associated with glucocorticoid use.
Summary:
- GC treatment elevates infection risk, including reactivation of latent infections like hepatitis B and tuberculosis.
- Prevention strategies for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and urinary tract infections vary among practitioners.
- Vaccination guidance is critical, with live vaccines contraindicated; travel medicine consultations are advised for tropical travel.
- Glucocorticoids' misuse in sports and potential for postoperative adrenal insufficiency in long-term users require attention.
Impact:
- Informing healthcare providers about comprehensive infection prevention strategies for patients on glucocorticoids.
- Promoting individualized patient care by assessing risks for latent infections and specific exposures.
- Guiding appropriate vaccination choices and emphasizing the need for travel medicine consultations.
- Raising awareness of potential complications like adrenal insufficiency and the misuse of GCs in sports.
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